The main absentee is Montpellier scrum-half Francois Trinh-Duc, who is being rested with Remi Tales (Castres) chosen instead.

Toulouse flanker Thierry Dusatoir will captain the side in the absence of Pascal Pape, the Stade Francais lock who has been sidelined since injuring his back in France's opening Six Nations defeat to Italy in February.

There is a strong Six Nations presence in Saint-Andre's list, with regulars such as Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Yoann Maestri, Louis Picamoles, Morgan Parra and Toulon half-back Frederic Michalak.